321 research outputs found
Development of a valid and reliable test to assess trauma radiograph interpretation performance
No full textObjectives\ud
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The purpose of this investigation was to develop and examine the preliminary validity and reliability among radiographers of a test to assess trauma radiograph interpretation performance suitable for use among health professionals.\ud
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Methods\ud
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Stage 1 examined 14,159 consecutive appendicular and axial examinations from a hospital emergency department over a 12 month period to quantify a typical anatomical region case-mix of trauma radiographs. A sample of radiographic cases representative of affected anatomical regions was then developed into the Image Interpretation Test (IIT). Stage 2 involved prospective investigations of the IIT's reliability (inter-rater, intra-rater, internal consistency) and validity (concurrent) among 41 radiographers.\ud
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Results\ud
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The IIT included 60 cases. The median (interquartile range) clinical experience of participants was 5 (2–10) years. Case scores were internally consistent (Cronbach's alpha = 0.90). Favourable inter-rater reliability (kappa > 0.70 for 58/60 cases, Intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) > 0.99 for total score) and intra-rater reliability (kappa > 0.90 for 60/60 cases, ICC > 0.99 for total score) was observed. There was a positive association between radiographers' confidence in image interpretation and IIT score (coefficient = 1.52, r-squared = 0.60, p < 0.001).\ud
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Conclusions\ud
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The IIT developed during this investigation included a selection of radiographic cases consistent with anatomical regions represented in an adult trauma case-mix. This study has also provided foundational preliminary evidence to support the reliability and validity of the IIT among radiographers. The findings suggest that it is possible to assess image interpretation performance of adult trauma radiographs with this test
The role of engineering in a career change pathway into technology teaching
No full textThe University of Waikato developed an innovative two-year engineering/ education qualification to attract a group of learners traditionally excluded or disadvantaged in their access to tertiary study and secondary teaching as a career choice. The factors that prompted and supported collaboration between the Faculty of Science and Engineering and the Faculty of Education to develop and deliver a programme that enables industry-trained and qualified learners to gain the engineering qualification required for teaching technology in secondary schools is described. A cross-sequential – patch-up research design was used to collect data from students in both years of the two-year programme to assess the effectiveness of the pathway
Moisture gradients, form a vapor cycle within the viscous boundary layer as an organizing principle to worker termites
No full textStudies of termite mound building have considered the mud they prepare, its properties and its composition. Here we consider the behaviors of the mound building termites Macrotermes michaelseni, (Sjostedt), in the presence of the viscous boundary layer (VBL), which spontaneously forms over any surface that air passes over. We looked how soil moisture and air vapor are coupled to form a feedback loop and a spatiotemporal precursor to worker termites in the presence of mound material. We explored residency and activities of workers when presented with a VBL and either varying substrate temperature gradients or a soil moisture transition within the soil substrate. We report the emergence of a ‘vapor conveyor’, which forms around a neutral evaporative equilibrium point (NEEP) at the soil/air interface, where the soil-borne moisture temperature (along the gradient) and the 100% saturated air-borne vapor temperature coincide within the VBL, forming a bubble of neutral mass transfer which, we propose, worker termites are sensitive to as viscosity changes within. We found, on average, that 67% (std. dev 27%) of behavioral events (clustering, excavation, and deposition) occurred within 10C either side of the NEEP. We found negative correlation (-0.78) between the substrate temperature gradient (0.1-0.9 0C mm-1) and the extents of behavioral activity, suggesting coupling between soil-borne moisture and air-borne vapor advection within the VBL. We recorded unique behaviors relating to interaction with the viscosity of vapor saturated air at this scale. We speculate that workers may exploit the VBL to overcome a classic trade-off, i.e. how to push activities forward into potentially desiccating environments, while conserving moisture in both the termites and the soil they build with
Polystyrene - Silica Colloidal Nanocomposite Particles Prepared By Alcoholic Dispersion Polymerization
No full textMicrometer-sized silica-stabilized polystyrene latex particles and submicrometer-sized polystyrenesilica nanocomposite particles have been prepared by dispersion polymerization of styrne in alcoholic media in the presence of a commercial 13 or 22 nm alcoholic silica sol as the sole stabilizing agent. Micrometer-sized near-monodisperse silica-stabilized polystyrene latexes are obtained when the polymerization is initiated with a nonionic AIBN initiator. These particles are stabilized by silica particles that are present on the latex surface at submonolayer concentration. The total silica content is no greater than 1.1 wt%, which corresponds to a silica sol incorporation efficiency of less than 1.3%. Reduction of the initial silica sol concentration led to a systematic increase in the mean latex diameter. In contrast, submicrometer-sized polystyrene-silica nanocomposite particles are obtained when the polymerization is initiated with a cationic azo initiator. The silica contents of these nanocomposite particles are significantly higher, ranging up to 29 wt %. Zeta potential measurements, XPS, and electron spectroscopy imaging by transmission electron microscopy (ESI/TEM) studies reveal a well-defined core-shell morphology for these particles, whereby the core is polystyrene and the shell comprises the silica sol. After calcination, these nanocomposite particles can form hollow silica capsules. Variation of the initial silica sol and initiator concentration has relatively little effect on the final particle size and silica content of these polystyrene-silica nanocomposite particles, but indicates silica sol incorporation efficiencies up to 72%. © 2007 American Chemical Society.191024352445Percy, M.J., Amalvy, J.I., Randall, D.P., Armes, S.P., Greaves, S.J., Watts, J.F., (2004) Langmuir, 20, p. 2184Oilman, J.W., Jackson, C.L., Morgan, A.B., Harris, R., Manias, E., Giannelis, E.P., Wuthenow, M., Phillips, S.H., (2000) Chem. Mater, 12, p. 1866Zhu, J., Morgan, A.B., Lamelas, F.J., Wilkie, C.A., (2001) Chem. Mater, 13, p. 3774Manias, E., Touny, A., Wu, L., Strawhecker, K., Lu, B., Chung, T.C., (2001) Chem. Mater, 13, p. 3516Kashiwagi, T., Morgan, A.B., Antonucci, J.M., VanLandingham, M.R., Harris, R.H., Awad, W.H., Shields, J.R., (2003) J. Appl. Polym. Sci, 89, p. 2072Lu, Y., McLellan, J., Xia, Y., (2004) Langmuir, 20, p. 3464Xu, X., Asher, S.A., (2004) J. Am. Chem. Soc, 726, p. 7940Bourgeat-Lami, E., (2002) J. Nanosci. Nanotechnol, 2, p. 1Bourgeat-Lami, E., Lang, J., (1998) J. Colloid Interface Sci, 197, p. 293Bourgeat-Lami, E., Lang, J., (1999) J. Colloid Interface Sci, 210, p. 281Bourgeat-Lami, E., Lang, J., (2000) Macromol. Symp, 151, p. 377Yoshinaga, K., Yokoyama, T., Sugawa, Y., Karakawa, H., Enomoto, N., Nishida, H., (1992) Polym. Bull, 28, p. 663Luna-Xavier, J.-L., Bourgeat-Lami, E., Guyot, A., (2001) Colloid Polym. Sci, 279, p. 947Luna-Xavier, J.-L., Guyot, A., Bourgeat-Lami, E., (2002) J. Colloid Interface Sci, 250, p. 82Luna-Xavier, J.-L., Guyot, A., Bourgeat-Lami, E., (2004) Polym. Int, 53, p. 609Barthet, C., Hickey, A.J., Cairns, D.B., Armes, S.P., (1999) Adv. Mater, 11, p. 408Percy, M.J., Barthet, C., Lobb, J.C., Khan, M.A., Lascelles, S.F., Vamvakaki, M., Armes, S.P., (2000) Langmuir, 16, p. 6913Amalvy, J.I., Percy, M.J., Armes, S.P., Wiese, H., (2001) Langmuir, 17, p. 4770Chen, M., Wu, L., Zhou, S., You, B., (2004) Macromolecules, 37, p. 9613Han, M.G., Armes, S.P., (2003) Langmuir, 19, p. 4523Percy, M.J., Armes, S.P., (2002) Langmuir, 18, p. 4562Tiarks, F., Landfester, K., Antonietti, M., (2001) Langmuir, 17, p. 5775Zhou, J., Zhang, S., Qiao, X., Li, X., Wu, L., (2006) J Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem, 44, p. 3202Antonietti, M., Landfester, K., (2002) Prog. Polym. Sci, 27, p. 689Sertchook, H., Avnir, D., (2003) Chem. Mater, 75, p. 1690Sertchook, H., Elimelech, H., Avnir, D., (2005) Chem. Mater, 17, p. 4711Chen, M., Zhou, S., You, B., Wu, L., (2005) Macromolecules, 38, p. 6411Schmid, A., Fujii, S., Armes, S.P., (2005) Langmuir, 21, p. 8103Schmid, A., Fujii, S., Armes, S.P., (2006) Langmuir, 22, p. 4923Han, M.G., Armes, S.P., (2003) J. Colloid Interface Sci, 262, p. 418Amalvy, J.I., Percy, M.J., Armes, S.P., Leite, C.A.P., Galembeck, F., (2005) Langmuir, 21, p. 1175Lok, K.P., Ober, C.K., (1985) Can. J. Chem, 63, p. 209Dawkins, J.V., Neep, D.J., Shaw, P.L., (1994) Polymer, 35, p. 5366Paine, A.J., Luymes, W., McNulty, J., (1990) Macromolecules, 23, p. 3104Horozov, T.S., Binks, B.P., (2005) Colloids Surf., A, 267, p. 64Horozov, T.S., Aveyard, R., Binks, B.P., Clint, J.H., (2005) Langmuir, 21, p. 7405Agarwal, G.K., Titman, J.J., Percy, M.J., Armes, S.P., (2003) J. Phys. Chem. B, 107, p. 12497Canelas, D.A., Betts, D.E., DeSimone, J.M., (1996) Macromoleules, 29, p. 2818Lovell, P.A., El-Aasser, M.S., (1997) Emulsion Polymerisation and Emulsion Polymers, , John Wiley & Sons: Chichester, U.
Liberal theory and Islam: (re)imagining the interaction of religion, law, state and society in Muslim contexts
No full textWithin the global phenomenon of the (re)emergence of religion into issues of public debate, one of the most salient issues confronting contemporary Muslim societies is how to relate the legal and political heritage that developed in pre-modern Islamic polities to the political order of the modern states in which Muslims now live.
This study seeks to develop a framework for addressing this issue by drawing upon two sources. The first is an interpretative understanding of the history of Muslim contexts emphasising, in particular, the diversity of views about what Islam mandates that have always been a part of Muslim experience and the distinction between political and religio-legal authority that developed in practice in these environments. The second source is a variety of contemporary liberal theory which this study develops and calls ‘justice as discourse’.
The central argument is that liberal theory, and justice as discourse in particular, though it may have emerged in a different social and cultural milieu, can be normatively useful in Muslim contexts for relating, religion, law, state and society. It is argued first, that Muslim contexts are facing issues similar to those out of which liberal theory emerged. Additionally, it is argued that both Muslim contexts and liberal theory are dynamic and continually developing and that this shared dynamism means that there may be space for convergence of the two. Just as Muslim contexts have developed historically (and continue to develop today) the same is the case with the requisites of liberal theory and this may allow for liberal choices to be made in a manner that is not a renunciation of Muslim heritage
Prioritizing Approaches to Economic Development in New England: Skills, Infrastructure, and Tax Incentives
No full textJeffrey Thompson presents evidence that investing in state infrastructure and building the skills of the current and future workforce are among the most effective ways to create jobs in New England. Prioritizing Approaches to Economic Development in New England provides ample evidence that infrastructure (roads, bridges, dams, energy transmission systems, drinking water, and the like) and education are effective approaches for creating jobs and generating economic growth. By necessity, infrastructure repairs employ local workers and use local materials. These activities would also meet an increasingly urgent need: evidence reviewed by Thompson shows that 40% of bridges in the region are structurally deficient; 80% of the region’s dams present significant hazard; most of our roads are in poor or mediocre condition; and our drinking water infrastructure is in need of $12 billion worth of repairs and renovations. Thompson describes how, instead of making these investments, state policymakers are too often turning to corporate tax breaks to lure businesses to their state and public subsidies for employers who promise to hire workers in the state. These policies have been tried for decades, but Thompson presents the clear evidence that these tax subsidies don’t work to create jobs or revitalize state economies.
Development and application of the phase-screen seismic modelling code
No full textAs a consequence of the aims of this project, this thesis is divided into two distinct sections. Initially, the computationally efficient phase-screen forward modelling technique is extended to allow investigation of non-normal ray paths. The code is developed to accommodate all diffracted and converted phases up to critical angle, building on a geometrical construction method previously developed with a narrow-angle approximation. The new approach relies upon pre-scanning the model space to assess the complexity of each screen. The propagating wavefields are then divided as a function of horizontal wavenumber, and each subset is transformed to the spatial domain separately, carrying with it angular information. This allows both locally accurate 3D phase corrections and Zoeppritz reflection and transmission coefficients to be applied. The phase-screen code is further developed to handle simple anisotropic media. During phase-screen modelling, propagation is undertaken in the wavenumber domain where exact expressions for anisotropic phase velocities are incorporated. Extensive testing of the enhanced phase-screen technique includes simple analytical models to justify the inclusion of multiple energy alongside synthetic examples from models commonly used to test numerical modelling techniques. Additionally the code is tested with real models from a producing field in a marine sedimentary location where an exhaustive range of geophysical techniques were used to constrain the VTI parameters. Secondly within this thesis, the narrow angle version of the phase-screen method is used to generate a comprehensive pre-stack seismic reflection dataset for our industrial partners. Current exploration within the European oil and gas community is heavily focused on regions where the targets for production are positioned beneath plateau basalts oh the north west European margin. These environments produce a complex seismic response due to the scattering generated by the internal composition of the basalt flows. This study generates a large subsurface volume, derived from geological mapping projects in the Hold-with-Hope region of north east Greenland, and synthetically acquires a realistic 3-D reflection study across it. The basalt is uniquely generated as a single random volume with distinct correlation lengths in each orthogonal direction and a novel approach to determine seismic attenuation through basalts is developed. Initial results from this data set are presented after careful optimisation of the modelling code and parameters
Search for dark matter candidates and large extra dimensions in events with a jet and missing transverse momentum with the ATLAS detector
No full textOpen Access, Copyright CERN, for the benefit of the ATLAS collaboration. This article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits any use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author(s) and source are credited
Author Correction: A detailed map of Higgs boson interactions by the ATLAS experiment ten years after the discovery
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